LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Bilmuri, Driveways in Boston, MA (08.10.24)
Bilmuri, the solo project of former Attack Attack! vocalist-guitarist Johnny Franck has been making waves lately in the alternative music scene. Though he began releasing music under the Bilmuri moniker in 2016, it wasn’t until recently that things started to take off.
Franck’s latest album, American Motor Sports, is a blend of country, pop, and metalcore, making it a unique and intriguing musical experience. Franck’s collaboration with several country artists, such as Dylan Marlowe on the song ‘EMPTYHANDED,’ further underscores the importance of providing his fans with a wide musical variety. Eight of the record’s ten tracks have already garnered significant attention, with anywhere from one million to six million streams on Spotify alone.
The music is presented in a light-hearted and comedic fashion, adding an element of entertainment to the listening experience. The band’s name, a playful nod to comedian Bill Murray, and the song titles, reminiscent of a chronically online millennial, all contribute to this amusing presentation. Yet, beneath this humor, there’s a layer of vulnerability that adds depth to the songs. On ‘THICC THICCLY,’ Franck’s heartfelt lyrics resonate: ‘So you hold your head in the palm of my hands / I feel your tears fall down, but can’t understand / I keep your pain stuck in the back of my head.’
The theme of their current album and tour is a unique one, revolving around a NASCAR race-like atmosphere. This is not just a visual theme, but it also influences the energy and pacing of the performance. Many of the attendees on Saturday night were clad in t-shirts with bald eagles or cigarette brands on them, adding to the immersive experience. A comparable artist to Bilmuri would be Oliver Tree; though Tree’s music is a vastly different genre, how it’s packaged is in a tongue-in-cheek performance art fashion. However, Bilmuri’s live performance foregoes the in-concert skits for a longer setlist.
Playing to a sold-out crowd at Paradise Rock Club, Franck’s gratitude towards his fans was palpable. He paused multiple times between songs to express his heartfelt thanks, acknowledging their role in ‘changing his life.’ With Saturday’s show being the first of the American Motor Sports tour, four songs from the album were played live for the first time.
Photos: Bilmuri, Driveways at Paradise Rock Club in Boston, MA on August 10th:
